GCC education segment offers new investment avenues

Alpen Capital (ME) Limited announced the publication of its report on the GCC Education Industry for the year 2021. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the GCC education sector and outlines the outlook, recent trends, growth drivers and challenges in the sector. It also profiles some of the prominent education companies in the region.

“COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to the GCC education industry but governments and operators have been swift in their response in terms of policies, initiatives, teaching methods and business models to ensure continuity of education. The pandemic has placed integration and utilization of technology within the education system at the forefront and the sector will continue to innovate and evolve. We believe that factors such as an increase in school age population, high disposable incomes, influx of private schools and continued support from the GCC governments will aid to build a robust education system and continue to drive enrolments. Despite intensifying competition, shortage of skilled staff and increasing cost pressures amid a slowdown in economy, the pandemic has opened interesting opportunities for private players, particularly in the areas of EdTech and blended learning models,” says Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd.

“The education sector remains a central focus for GCC nations as the need for evolution from an oil-reliant economy to a diversified one has necessitated an education system that matches international standards. The unprecedented efforts taken by the industry stakeholders and governments during COVID-19 has led to a prioritization of long-term growth strategies at a macro level,” says Krishna Dhanak, Executive Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Ltd.

He further adds that, “The GCC education sector continues to be fragmented with several size and types of operators catering to a wide population with varied preferences. Consequently, the industry witnessed healthy M&A activity over the last two years, with several nations strongly advocating privatization and others opening up the sector for foreign ownership. As the education landscape continues to mature in the region, we believe that the recent developments in its geopolitical relations, supplemented by a post pandemic economic recovery and government initiatives and policy changes, will result in new investment avenues for investors across the sector.”